Helen’s Dream

Part Nine

Helen had a dream. Her dream was to someday go on a mission trip to Cambodia. Helen’s local church did this trip two times a year. A dentist (Mike) from her church led the trip. After each of his trips, he shared with the congregation his experiences and adventures. Mike was called to go into Cambodia’s orphanages and to give the orphans excellent dental health care. To encourage and bless them. Each trip needed a team. Helen dreamed of going.

Someday needed to happen soon for Helen. You see, Helen was in her eighties. She did not let her age stop her from doing what was on her heart. She had the heart to serve children that were less fortunate. She made a decision, and the decision was to go.

Helen was my mother. My mom shared with me that she was planning to go. She was going to fulfill the dream that was on her heart for many years. I was excited for her. After thinking about it, I thought she might need an escort. : ) She was happy for me to experience this once-in-a-lifetime trip with her.

As you can imagine, this was not an easy journey for her. Multiple vaccinations, twenty-plus hours of air flight-each way, a squatty potty, working from sun up to sun down, and the jet lag was what lay ahead. She never let any of these obstacles stop her from pursuing her dream.

She did experience a few difficulties. She had leg swelling, tiredness, and motion sickness on the flight. (yes, she vomited in my shoe) But after almost 2 weeks of travel, I never heard her complain. Not once. She only praised everything and everyone around her. She wanted to hug everyone she met. She was in her glory.

My mom took good care of herself throughout the years. She was active, ate healthily, was socially involved, and had a strong faith community. She knew that this was part of healthy Godly living. To take care of herself every day. This paid off for her. She could fulfill her dream at 86 years old.

Being old in life doesn’t mean we don’t have a mission. It doesn’t mean we don’t have a purpose. God can use us at any age. Age does not define us. But…if we don’t take care of ourselves throughout the years, and are unhealthy, fulfilling our dreams will become more difficult. Most likely impossible. God did not intend for us to retire in an easy chair.

Helen’s dream became a reality in 2013. I am thankful she got to live out her dream before her death in 2021.

You are my inspiration mom. Miss you more than words can say.

God’s Word-Psalms 105:1-2

Oh give thanks to the Lord; call upon his name;
make known his deeds among the peoples!
²Sing to him, sing praises to him;
tell of all his wondrous works!